The Great Smoky Mountains welcome more visitors than any other national park in the United States, and it’s the rural and beautifully isolated Cades Cove that may attract most of them. The valley has been lauded by both local publications and national news outlets, and it remains one of the most beautiful places in the state of Tennessee. The town of Townsend is the nearest town, so if you’re planning to trek to the 4,000-acre verdant valley you can set your compass from there. Ready to learn more about Cades Cove? Check it out below!

Anthony Chavez - Wikipedia
The rural valley that so many have come to know and love has a deep history with the local Cherokee tribe. It's known that the Cherokee hunted expansively in the area, but there were no large settlements or villages. In fact, the first Europeans settled in the cove around 1818 and built the first structures.
turcottes78 - Flickr
271 people called the beautiful Cades Cove home by 1830, and Cades Cove now boasts the most preserved historic buildings in any national park in the United States. You can visit three churches, barns, log homes, and even a working grist mill if you make your way to the park to visit.
Billy Hathorn - Wikipedia
The most popular structure is the little white church that has been home to a series of congregations over the years. Simple and beautiful, the church is a reminder of the world that used to be and the people who worshipped in it.

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Tim Lumley - Flickr
Cades Cove is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains for its 11-mile paved driving loop and hiking opportunities. If you visit, we'd recommend stopping by the Cades Cove Visitor Information Center along the way.
turcottes78 - Flickr
There is plenty of opportunity for hiking, and the most popular hiking trails include Gregory Bald and the nearly 5-mile hike to Abrams Falls. Make sure you keep your eye out for wildlife as well!
turcottes78 - Flickr
Beautiful, isolated, and rural, Cades Cove was once a hidden place that seemed to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Great Smoky Mountains. Nowadays more than 5 million people visit every year!
Arthur T. Labar - Flickr
What an incredible place to visit. Cades Cove is known for its grand natural beauty, and it's a great place to visit no matter the time of year.

You can see where Cades Cove was honored by Country Living right here. Cades Cove has a deep, rich history here in Tennessee. Have you ever visited?

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Cades Cove, Tennessee, USA